Did my parents buy too much for DC?

I thought you were going to say they spent 500 quid, no that’s not too much at all, clothes are not a present to a 3 year old so take half of them off (more presents for you not having to purchase) so he’s had a few inexpensive toys, no that’s not spoiling

My gosh, I'm the same but the other way round. My parents are more wealthy, often give a small token present then money for bank account for when they're older. My in laws, had times of struggling financially in their life, go a bit crazy with bags of presents, more than yours, including lots of annoying big plastic flashy toys from charity shops. But I wouldn't say it spoiled any specialness of Christmas. Kids love it. I reckon my mum had similar with us getting lots of presents from grandparents and she didn't like it so toned it down

Agree with PP, clothes don't register as presents to such young children.

If it bothers you that they spend a lot, open a child saver account and ask them to contribute to that if they like. My DS's GPs gave him money every birthday and Christmas, I rounded it up when I paid it in and he has a substantial amount of savings now. (He is very difficult to buy for so it was lot easier for everyone to do this once he was out of the pre-school years)

I honestly think that both sets of parents bought thoughtful presents and neither spent a ridiculous amount though.

Doesn't seem excessive.
Seems about right really. Couple toys and a few clothes.

I do feel a bit miffed when grandparents buy our kids as much as we do. Kind of feel like we are the parents now so we are Santa and it rubs it in that they have so much more disposable income than we do.

Can I please be one of your children?

Good job you don't have my parents.... He needs to get a grip.

Most of it sounds useful, probably some weird jealousy as his bought less. Both bought a fine amount.

Sounds like most the stuff is stuff they're buying so you don't have to? Clothes, helmet are more things you'd be buying any way so he needs to wind his neck in and be grateful or provide for his child himself. Is he going to go coat shopping?

Sounds fine to me.

This is a non problem!

I agree. 3yo doesn't give a flying monkey about the clothes 🙄.My 3yo on his birthday got a beautiful set of clothes from M&S in a gift bag. He literally opened the bag, dug through it and asked where is the present🤣😅. It was funny and embarrassing at the same time! I had to gently explain to him that the clothes are the present 😁.
Your husband should chill. Some grandparents don't even remember about their grandchildren so he should be happy that both sides of your family care! Especially that some of the presents are practical ones and every day items. I suspect there is a bit of jealousy going on that your parents bought much more than his?

It doesn’t sound remotely excessive. My DP’s just spent a lot more than that on my DCs. I was happy as it meant that some of the more expensive items on their lists were taken care of.

Overwhelmed by 4 presents and some clothes? OK.

Taking out the clothes and helmet it's three items...it's not too much

My parents and my mil give more than us to our son, doesn't take anything away from any presents. Clothes don't register if you are little. What your son got sounds reasonable.

At that age, I wouldn't generally count clothes as a playing gift as we pick them up as and when needed so that cuts it down a lot! 3 gifts sounds fine and could quite easily be one parcel and so look like one present.

I was very much in your parents shoes. I had little, struggled to keep a roof over our heads, did what I could for Xmas.

Fast forward 50+ years. Financially I'd describe myself as very comfortable. I cannot get out and about unaided so I spend little money. What I do have I enjoy spending on family and friends. I cannot tell you just how much pleasure it gives me to be able, at last, "spoil" the ones I love.

And I don't actually think it's possible to spoil anyone one of them.

I'd tell your husband it's mean to try to limit your parents joy. As long as there are no strings attached (like, well I bought you/them such and such, now they should do... Whatever, for me) and they liaise with you so there's no one up man shut going on, I think what your parents are doing is fine.

are you the OP’s DH?
it doesn’t sound at all excessive and your husband is a grinch

Sounds lovely. He'd lose his mind if he saw what my SIL gets for our DC She just loves gift-giving, it's her love language. I'd never tell her to stop as it brings her joy and the kids love it, so why would I?

YANBU. Sounds fine to me.

When I was growing up my grandparents would get their gc a similar amount. My stepdad always used to be in a bad mood about how much we were given. He still goes on about it every Christmas now THIRTY FIVE YEARS LATER. Can only imagine it stems from jealousy.

I doubt he was overwhelmed. It's hardly the whole of the Smyths catalogue.